2026 Solar Panel Costs: Ultimate Guide to Pricing and Savings
We analyzed thousands of systems sold on solar in recent years to find the average cost of solar panels for homes based on their square footage of living space and number of bedrooms.
Global cost per m² in 2025 varied immensely across regions because of labor, logistics, and policy support. In the United States, a typical solar panel cost per square meter in residential installations is between $280–$320 per m² because labor and permission expenses are higher.
The average 6-kW residential solar panel installation is $17,852 before incentives. Learn about cost factors, financing options, tax breaks and more.
Solar panel installation costs depend on your home's size, energy needs, roof structure, and location. You can estimate around $10 to $15 per square foot of living space for solar panel installation. Keep in mind, this estimate doesn't account for tax credits or local incentives, which can significantly reduce your final cost.
If you just need a few panels for a small do-it-yourself solar project, expect to pay around $200 to $350 per panel (between $0.80 and $1.40 per watt). Note: The table below doesn't include the cost of a solar storage battery, which can add anywhere from $7,000 to $18,000 to your total solar system costs.
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